Tag Archives: will eisner’s the spirit

Preview: Will Eisner’s The Spirit #7

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Will Eisner’s The Spirit #7

writer: Matt Wagner
artist: Dan Schkade, Brennan Wagner
cover: Eric Powell
incentive cover: Eric Powell (“virgin” art)
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

The Spirit’s return to Central City stirs up both resentment and fear among the local crime scene, and mob boss Larson E. Jones soon sets a price on the blue-masked hero’s life. Meanwhile, The Spirit himself tries to set things right in regards to his long-stalled romance with Ellen Dolan, and the detective team of Ebony White and Sammy Strunk dig up evidence that leads to a shadow corporation – one acting as a front for the illicit activities of the mysterious international crime lord, Mikado Vaas! Eisner Award-winning author Matt Wagner continues his loving homage to one of comicdom’s most iconic characters, all the while breaking new ground with the dynamic visual stylings of artist Dan Schkade and colorist Brennan Wagner.

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Preview: Will Eisner’s The Spirit #6

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Will Eisner’s The Spirit #6

writer: Matt Wagner
artist: Dan Schkade, Brennan Wagner
cover: Eric Powell
incentive cover: Eric Powell (“virgin art”)
FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • Teen+

Once again, the narrative shifts to an unexpected locale as an ex-GI finds himself in the role of both mercenary and jailer.  In Wildwood Cemetery, The Spirit finally reveals the course of his unknown exploits to both Ebony and Sammy, a tale that involves smuggled nerve agents, devious traps and a tropical island turned penitentiary.  But the mystery only deepens as the first half of this 12-issue arc reaches its conclusion and our blue-masked hero is left with only more questions than answers as to the course of his own unexplained absence.  This hit series revives one of comics’ most iconic characters at the hands of Eisner Award winning author Matt Wagner and the dynamic art team of artist Dan Schkade and colorist Brennan Wagner.

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Mini Reviews For The Week Ending 19/12/2015

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Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling short reviews from the staff of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full review for. These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews.

Alex

Klaus_002_A_MainThe Paybacks #3: Two words: Hell. Yes. Overall Rating: 9 Recommendation: Buy 

Klaus #2** This is easily one of the best looking comics on the racks this month, and it’s also one of the most entertaining. I’m really enjoying the sense of soul within it’s pages. Overall Rating: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

Huck #2 was another comic released this week that just screams goodness. When an entire town conspire to keep the secret of a superhero, how can you not fall in love with the story? Overall Rating: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Invincible #126. I’ve not really read much Invincible lately, so reading the final issue of a three part reboot/not reboot probably wasn’t smart on my behalf, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Overall Rating: 8 Recommendation: Read

Judge Dredd #1 is an interesting new direction for the character. I’m curious to see what happens next, and this was just good enough to bring me back for more. Overall Rating: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

Will Eisner’s The Spirit #6: If you’ve been reading the series, then this is just more of the same, which is far from a bad thing. Well worth checking out if you haven’t been reading it. Overall Rating: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

King Conan: Wolves Beyond The Border #1 is the first Conan comic I’ve read in months, and it was awesome. There’s a lot of set up here for what’s going to come in the next few issues, and I’m looking forward to see what that’ll be – especially with the renewed interest in the character that’s bound to stem from the new movie. Overall Rating: 8.25 Recommendation: Read

 

Brett

B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth #138 – Mignola has put together one of the best comic universes out there, and this issue feels like it’s building to something epic and huge for it all. Love each issue not just for the entertaining story but the amazing distinctive art that screams Mignolaverse. Overall Rating: 8.2 Recommendation: Read

Batman Europa #2 – Batman and Joker do battle together in a weird team-up that has the two trying to figure out who’s out to kill them. It’s a strange story, but the art is fantastic and to see these two team-up is really entertaining. A solid miniseries that I’m enjoying much more than I thought I would. Overall Rating: 8.6 Recommendation: Buy

Justice League #46 – This issue felt very off to me. It picks up after a month of one-shots and catches folks up to where we’re at, at least that’s what it feels like. It’s a meh issue that has some important moments, but comes off more as a recap than anything else. Overall Rating: 6.7 Recommendation: Pass

Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer and the Vampire Zoo – I’ve generally enjoyed the Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer series, and was looking forward to this comic. While this one has some funny moments the overall issue feels more like a video game going from one level to the next. Compared to what’s come before, this one just doesn’t stand up in quality. Overall Rating: 6.3 Recommendation: Pass

Descender #8 – I love this series and this one has a great feel of what I expect from a space opera epic. The art is top notch and this one has some cool trippy aspects to it that I look forward to seeing where they go. Overall Rating: 8.4 Recommendation: Buy

The Goddamned #2 – I’m still trying to figure out this series. It’s Jason Aaron’s twisted Bible tale and while I’m enjoying it, I’m still not quite sure what to think overall. I feel like I’m missing something. Overall Rating: 7 Recommendation: Read

Goddamned02_CoverAHuck #2 – Just loving this series. It’s a fun innocent take on the superhero myth. Overall Rating: 8.1 Recommendation: Buy

I Hate Fairyland #3 – Holy shit is this series messed up. Twisted fairy tales that I feel a little dirty by the fact I’m enjoying it so much. Overall Rating: 8 Recommendation: Read

The Tithe #7 – Really relevant, Matt Hawkins has put together an interesting series that follows FBI agents tracking down folks using religion to manipulate elections. Sound familiar? Overall Rating: 7.9 Recommendation: Read

All-New X-Men #2 – The second issue feels like a middle tier X-Men run of the past. Some interesting ideas here and potential, but not blowing me away. Overall Rating: 7 Recommendation: Read

Darth Vader Annual #1 – A one-shot that I feel will have some impact down the road. Marvel’s Star Wars comics are consistently fantastic reads. Overall Rating: 8.6 Recommendation: Buy

Illuminati #2 – This series focusing on some of Marvel’s villains getting together has been a really interesting read. One that I’m really enjoying with a good mix of humor and characters. Overall Rating: 7.7 Recommendation: Read

Monster World #1 – A throwback in many ways of a detective comic with a mystery on a movie studio plot. A little mixed on what I think overall, but not bad. Overall Rating: 7 Recommendation: Read

 

Elana

WickedDivine17-coverThe Wicked + The Divine #17. Guest artist Brandon Graham’s style combines manga and graffiti styles. Perfect match for Sakmet. His art steals the show on this issue and carries much of the storytelling. The character remains elusive in many ways but I did come away with more. I’d still like more from her. Overall Rating: 9

No Mercy #5. Really brutal. Great reveals and character beats. A few moments of characters shouting things I’ve been itching for them to say. I feel for Sister Inez here. She just wanted a roof for her school damnit! Overall Rating: 8

Weirdworld #1. Mike del Mundo’s art was central to the disturbing awesomeness and beauty of the Elektra series a couple of years back and his new sword and sandals on drugs series is a wonderful expansion on it. I enjoy the world they’re building and their Latina protagonist is a great new creation.  Overall Rating: 8.5

 

Shean

King Conan: Wolves Beyond The Border #1: With all the rumblings surrounding the new Conan movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as an older and wiser King, it is so cool of Dark Horse to expose some of those dimensions.The story by Timothy Truman is gritty, bloody, stinks of the Medieval Age, and a whole lot of fun. The art by Tomas Giorello, harken back to the old Conan comics I grew up reading with a touch of Frank Frazetta. Altogether , Great start to a promising miniseries, and seems to be the type of excitement the Bastard Executioner only hoped to come close to. Overall: 9.8

Well, there you have it, folks. The reviews we didn’t quite get a chance to write.

Please note that with some of the above comics, Graphic Policy was provided FREE copies for review. Where we purchased the comics, you’ll see an asterisk (*). If you don’t see that, you can infer the comic was a review copy. In cases where we were provided a review copy and we also purchased the comic you’ll see two asterisks (**).

Review: Will Eisner’s The Spirit #5

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Spirit05-Cov-A-PowellOur intrepid detectives finally admit that only one member of The Spirit‘s infamous Rogues Gallery could have had any chance of defeating their masked mentor. Their investigation ultimately brings them head-to-head with our hero’s deadliest and most relentless foe, The Octopus-a confrontation that could very well cost them their lives!

I’ve mentioned before that I have a soft spot for stories set in the middle on the 1900’s, especially the pulp heroes from the 30’s and 40’s. Needless to say that this series has been a highlight for me each month.  Will Eisner’s The Spirit #5 retains the quality that hooked me on the series; a sense of fun.

Matt Wagner has shifted focus over the last issue or two to The Spirit‘s reappearance after several years way from his city;  while previous issues have focused on the exploits of Ebony and Sammy as they try to solve the mysterious cause behind The Spirit‘s absence by questioning his Rogues Gallery (a dangerous game if ever there was one), this issue finally sees the eponymous hero return to the action.

Dan Schkade and Brennan Wagner continue to illustrate this comic brilliantly with Wagner‘s colouring combining with Schkade‘s line work to give an almost stylized feel that goes a long way to allowing the reader’s eye to just enjoy the comic.

I’ve enjoyed every issue of Will Eisner’s The Spirit that I’ve read over the last four months, and this issue is no exception. It’s a fun, entertaining and very enjoyable comic book series that you should absolutely check out.

You’ll not regret it.

Story: Matt Wagner Art: Dan Schkade Colours: Brennan Wagner
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Dynamite Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.

Preview: Will Eisner’s The Spirit #5

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Will Eisner’s The Spirit #5

writer: Matt Wagner
artist: Dan Schkade, Brennan Wagner
cover: Eric Powell
FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • Teen+

Our intrepid detectives finally admit that only one member of The Spirit’s infamous Rogues Gallery could have had any chance of defeating their masked mentor. Their investigation ultimately brings them head-to-head with our hero’s deadliest and most relentless foe, The Octopus—a confrontation that could very well cost them their lives! The reviews are in and the buzz is through the roof about this phenomenal new take on one of comicdom’s most revered and iconic characters is brought to you by Eisner Award-winning writer Matt Wagner and the visual team of artist Dan Schkade and colorist Brennan Wagner. Join this continuing 75th anniversary celebration of comics master Will Eisner’s most famous creation!

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Preview: Will Eisner’s The Spirit #4

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Will Eisner’s The Spirit #4

writer: Matt Wagner
interior art: Dan Schkade, Brennan Wagner
cover: Eric Powell
incentive cover: Eric Powell (“virgin art”)
FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • Teen+

Ebony and Sammy’s trail to discover what has become of their heroic friend leads them next to the infamous P’Gell. The sultry femme fatale claims that she certainly does know The Spirit’s fate and is willing to share it with them…but only for a price! Tales are told, some true and some false as a wintry smuggling scheme explodes into danger. Does the truth behind The Spirit’s disappearance at last stand to be revealed? This phenomenal new take on one of comicdom’s most revered and iconic characters is brought to you by Eisner Award-winning writer Matt Wagner and the visual team of artist Dan Schkade and colorist Brennan Wagner. Join this 75th anniversary celebration of comics master Will Eisner’s most famous creation!

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Review: Will Eisner’s The Spirit #3

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Spirit03-Cov-A-PowellWill Eisner’s The Spirit #3 is the third part of a twelve issue story arc follows some of the most beloved characters from The Spirit‘s world, Commissioner Dolan, his daughter Ellen, Ebony White and Sammy as they continue to try and uncover what has happened to The Spirit.

This issue is divided between two stories; one continues to follow Ebony White and Sammy as they track down any and all leads that may help them find out what happened to the eponymous character two years ago, and the other focuses on a fisherman.

Matt Wagner continues to tell a story centered on The Spirit‘s disappearance, and in order to have the eponymous character appear in the series while the current (and first) story arc is focusing on the fact that he has been missing for two years. For the previous few issues, The Spirit‘s appearances in the comic thus far have been almost entirely told from the villain’s side point of view as they tell the story of when they last saw our hero. It’s a unique way of exploring the relationship between hero and villain, and what The Spirit means to the villains.

Dan Schkade and Brennan Wagner continue to bring some great art work to the table with this issue, and while there are some fantastic layouts in this issue, they seem to fall a little short of last issues brilliance (but only by a little). That being said, the first story in this comic features some solid colouring work that sets the mood of the piece rather well.

I’ve mentioned before that I have a soft spot for many of the vigilante style pulp heroes like The Spider, The Shadow, The Phantom, and yes, The Spirit, or crime noir style heroes, and almost any story set around the 30’s and 40’s, and Will Eisner’s The Spirit #3 retains the a quality that reminds me of a story told during the Golden Age; whether I am imagining the comic’s ability to emulate the feel of that bygone era or not is tough to say as that was before my time.

This is a fantastic series thus far, and I’m enjoying every page.

Story: Matt Wagner Art: Dan Schkade Colours: Brennan Wagner
Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Dynamite Entertainment provided Graphic Policy a FREE copy for review.

Preview: Will Eisner’s The Spirit #3

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Will Eisner’s The Spirit #3

writer: Matt Wagner
interior art: Dan Schkade, Brennan Wagner
cover: Eric Powell
incentive cover: Eric Powell (“virgin art”)
FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • Teen+

The narrative scene shifts to the South Seas as a native fisherman struggles to provide for his family…and ends up snaring the biggest catch of his life. Meanwhile, back in Central City, Ebony and Sammy’s search to uncover the cause of The Spirit’s disappearance leads them to confront one of his oldest and wiliest Femme Fatale foes. And Ellen’s distress over a certain proposal comes to a head as she’s confronted by an unexpected revelation. Will Eisner’s iconic character receives an all-new revival via the talents of Eisner Award-winning author Matt Wagner and the visual team of artist Dan Schkade and colorist Brennan Wagner.

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Review: Will Eisner’s The Spirit #2

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Spirit02-Cov-A-PowellThe Spirit has been missing, and presumed dead, for the past two years.

Will Eisner’s The Spirit #2 is the second part of a twelve issue story arc follows some of the most beloved characters from The Spirit‘s world, Commissioner Dolan, his daughter Ellen, Ebony White and Sammy as they attempt to uncover what has happened to the man in blue.

Telling a story about the main draws disappearance is never an easy thing to do, let alone when launching a new series without The Spirit appearing. Matt Wagner has found an interesting way to tell a story about The Spirit vanishing while still keeping him as a key player in the story; his appearances are in a flashback told from the villain’s side. It’s a clever way to remind us of who he is without shoving down our throats how many people miss the vanished hero.

I was excited to read the first issue, but due to an ordering snafu at my local comic shop (I forgot to ask for it) I missed the opening chapter of this story. It wasn’t as big of a hindrance as you’d have thought;  Will Eisner’s The Spirit #2 throws you into the mix of the story pretty quickly, but I never felt anything but a smile as I read this comic. Dan Schkade gives us some great art work that really brings in a sense of fun when you’re looking at this comic, and the creative team work wonderfully together to bring an awesome comic to life. What really struck me, though, was the panel layouts on several pages, and the way in which Dan Schkade presented the story is fantastic.

I fully admit that I have a soft spot for many of the pulp heroes, or crime noir style heroes, and almost any story set around the 30’s and 40’s, and Will Eisner’s The Spirit #2 has the feel of an old timey story that is being told today. There’s a lot going on in this comic, and while the action and the pacing is fantastic, the story never suffers.

I cannot wait until issue #3.

Story: Matt Wagner Art: Dan Schkade Colours: Brennan Wagner
Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Dynamite Entertainment provided Graphic Policy a FREE copy for review.

Preview: Will Eisner’s The Spirit #2

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Will Eisner’s The Spirit #2

writer: Matt Wagner
artists: Dan Schkade & Brennan Wagner
covers: Eric Powell
incentive cover: Eric Powell (“virgin art”)
Fans & retailers, order the cover of your choice!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • Teen+

With Central City feeling the vacuum left by The Spirit’s long disappearance, Ebony and Sammy set out to find out what happened to their old friend. Their trail takes them to familiar surroundings and in pursuit of one of the masked vigilante’s most nefarious foes. Meanwhile, both Commissioner Dolan and his daughter Ellen must face obstacles of their own. This all new series celebrates the 75th anniversary of Will Eisner’s iconic character, scripted by Eisner Award-winner Matt Wagner with interior art by the team of Dan Schkade and colorist Brennan Wagner and featuring a cover by Eric Powell.

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